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Gov. Jay Inslee’s budget proposal offered some hope for child care and early learning advocates who were prepared to fight against deep cuts.
Inslee’s plan would boost child care slots, provider rates and money for early learning facilities. But in an effort to save money, he also proposes delaying the expansion of some expensive programs and subsidies set to take effect next year.
Advocates say it could be much worse, especially given a budget deficit of at least $10 billion to $12 billion. No currently filled slots would be affected under Inslee’s proposal.
“We’re just relieved we’re not going backward,” said Joel Ryan, executive director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.
Inslee’s budget is far from a final plan. And it is underpinned by his idea to raise revenue through a new tax on the wealthy and higher taxes on businesses.
Those ideas are certain to get pushback from some lawmakers when they convene in January and begin work on budget legislation. Inslee, meanwhile, is on his way out of office and has limited sway over budget talks. Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson could come to the table with his own ideas about how to approach child care policy and spending.